Drug raid in Landsberg: 25 million euros Captagon secured!

Drug raid in Landsberg: 25 million euros Captagon secured!

A major drug discovery is causing a stir in the region: In Landsberg, the police seized a whopping 2.1 million Captagon tablets last Friday. The drugs, which were discovered in a greengrocer's shop, have a street value of around 25 million euros. In total, around 360 kilograms of the illegal substance were seized, which were transported in 975 containers hidden in pallets of olives. In order to make this complex operation successful, the mobile X-ray system from the main customs office in Dresden was used. The cargo was part of a covert cargo that also included paprika and pepper paste as well as Arabian spinach (Molokhia). However, the investigation has not yet been completed because the suspicion against the food trade in Landsberg has not been confirmed and the perpetrators are probably not in Germany.

The first major drug discovery in this matter was announced a week ago, when around 300 kilograms of Captagon were already discovered. This raises the question: where do these large quantities come from? The origin of the drugs and the exact transport route are still unclear. However, there are many indications that the trays are not intended for the German market, but should only be transported through Germany. Captagon is an amphetamine derivative that was originally used as a medication in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. It has now lost its appeal because it was withdrawn from the market in the 1980s due to serious side effects.

Captagon – A global drug problem

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the European Drug Agency (EMCDDA) recently found in their report “Captagon trafficking and the role of Europe” that the illegal trade in Captagon has increased significantly in Europe over the past five years. The study shows that European countries often act as transshipment points, particularly through freight container transport, with the main production sites in Syria and Lebanon. Consumption takes place primarily in countries on the Arabian Peninsula, such as Saudi Arabia, where Captagon is considered the most common amphetamine.

The analysis also shows that the drug market in Europe is characterized by ongoing health and safety problems. The availability of illegal drugs, including in new forms, represents a growing challenge. The consumption of other substances such as cocaine or synthetic opioids is also worrying. This is reflected in the numbers: While the number of cases of amphetamines in Saxony-Anhalt fell from 3,432 in 2018 to 2,115 in 2024, the amount of substances found doubled significantly in the last two years.

The situation in Europe

The 2024 European Drug Report highlights the growing complexity of the drug situation. “Polyvalent drug use” has increased, which significantly increases the health risks for people. Recent reports show that injecting drug use in particular is a key issue and has even led to an increase in HIV cases. Synthetic cathinones and methamphetamine also show signs of a growing challenge to drug policy in Europe. The EUDA, which will be launched as the European Union's new drug agency on July 2, 2024, plans to strengthen monitoring and research on drug use and the harm associated with it in order to develop effective measures.

Overall, the drug problem in Europe and especially with amphetamines is one that needs to be monitored sensitively. The developments in the drug markets and the ever-changing challenges require quick and flexible action to ensure the health and safety of the population.